Jets would be wise to bring Josh McCown back in 2018

No one pegged Josh McCown for a long-term solution when the Jets signed the veteran quarterback to a one-year deal this past offseason.

That hasn’t changed. At 38 years old, McCown doesn’t have too much time left in the NFL. He could probably squeeze another year or two in if he so chooses, but the career backup is obviously not New York’s future under center.

That said, McCown should be back in 2018.

At 4-5, the Jets are playing themselves out of a top-five pick every time they muster a win. There’s still some season left, but they are no longer the lock for a premium selection everyone once thought they were. That means there’s a good chance the supposed elite quarterback prospects — namely Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen — will be off the board when it comes time for the Jets to draft.

They’ll be left with a quarterback less likely to step into a starting role on Day 1. The Jets should still take that signal caller — Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty have as much of a future as McCown, if not less — but they should also try to keep their veteran around.

More than anything, McCown has proven himself to be a leader. New York wouldn’t want a rookie quarterback to mimic his career numbers, but the organization would be hard-pressed to find a better role model for a draftee. That applies to any young player on the Jets.

It’s been the case this season.

“He’s a leader on and off the field,” Todd Bowles said. “I can’t say enough about him, especially with all of the pieces coming in and out of the offense. Lining guys up. Controlling the ball game. Not trying to do too much but does just enough. Accurate. Always upbeat. We can’t say enough about him.”

Bowles’ praise followed one of McCown’s better outings of the year. While his numbers didn’t pop, he was near perfect Thursday against the Bills, going 14-for-20 for 140 yards and a score through the air. He also ran for 16 yards and a touchdown and didn’t turn the ball over.

Overall, McCown has completed 70.4 percent of his passes this season, throwing for 1,980 yards and 13 touchdowns. He’s thrown seven interceptions, some of which have been costly, but no one saw him having a 96.1 QB rating.

Bowles, however, insists he’s not surprised.

“I knew what I had when I got him. It was just a matter of him staying healthy. He’s been nicked up for the past few years. It’s kind of hindered his performance and not put him on the field a lot,” Bowles said. “He’s in such a comfort zone with himself right now and understanding the game and seeing it that he’s having a lot of fun, and I’m enjoying watching it.”

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He’s not the only one. McCown said he’s having a blast in his first year with New York.

“I’m just proud to be a part of this group, proud of everybody’s effort to, as an offensive unit, play good football,” McCown said. “More than anything, it’s a credit to the coaches and the guys around me. That’s really helped me and allowed me to play some good football, and hopefully we continue to grow together and get even better.”

Do they continue growing together beyond this year, though?

That remains to be seen. McCown has taken a lot of hits over the years — he’s not as young as he may have looked when he scrambling all over the field Thursday. He’s already had discussions about coaching and is making a pretty penny this season. It wouldn’t be out of the blue if McCown decided to move on from Gang Green and playing this spring.

However, if the Jets have their way, he should be back. A second year gives New York a mentor, a capable starter and someone familiar with the offense.

The Jets still need a long-term plan under center, but there are worse insurance policies in the NFL in the meantime.

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